The name Corsham is thought to be of Saxon origin, signifying the 'home of Cossa' whose origin is obscure. The lie of the land undoubtedly made it a good place for a settlement because it had good soil and plenty of water from springs.

Being on the edge of a forest, there was plenty of fuel and somewhere to hide when there was any trouble.The High Street has a delightful mix of architecture from the 16th century.

Prosperity came from mining local 'Bath' stone and from the wool trade. Of particular interest are part Elizabethan Corsham Court, 17th century Flemish Weavers' Cottages and the Hungerford Almshouses built in 1668 which are among the finest in England. A former inn owner, Moses Pickwick, was the inspiration for Dickens Pickwick Papers

Corsham Court was a Royal Manor in the days of the Saxon Kings and currently is the home to Lord Methuen, The home is based on an Elizabethan house dating from 1582.

It was bought by Paul Methuen in the mid-18th century to house a collection of 16th and 17th century Italian and Flemish Master paintings and statuary. During the middle of the 19th century the house was altered to receive a second collection of fashionable Italian Masters and rare Italian Primitives and stone inlaid furniture.

Inside Corsham Court are several lovely rooms, in these is a collection of over 140 paintings, statuary, bronzes and furniture. The collection includes works by such names as Adams, Chippendale, Caraaggio, Lippi, Rubens and Van Dyck.

The picture gallery is designed as a triple cupe, 72ft in length. The intricate plasterwork of the ceiling is mirrored in the pattern of the carpet specially commisioned by the 4th Lord Methuen and made in 1959 by the Royal Tapestry and Carpet factory in Madrid.